Should Our Eyes Be Open or Closed While Practicing Tai Chi?

In our last blog, we’ve discussed our gaze (soft or hard) and where we should look when we practice Tai Chi. Now it’s time to answer the question: should our eyes be open or closed when we practice?

Students ask if it’s harmful to close their eyes when they practice. Some instructors are very much against it because it is important where we look. Others feel it can be appropriate in the right circumstances.

It really depends on why your are learning Tai Chi. If you are learning for the martial or self-defense aspect, it would certainly appear to be counter-productive. If you ever needed to use Tai Chi to defend yourself, it would not be a advisable to close your eyes! For self-defense purposes, it is imperative to know where you are looking and why! Simply put, if you don’t see what’s going on, you will definitely get hit!

In addition, your eyes will give you tons of data, such as if are you balanced, your position, what direction you’re facing, information about your stance, your alignment, and so much more. In my experience, students often think their feet and body are facing one direction and when they look down, they discover otherwise. When the eyes are closed, postures tend to lose their frame. Keeping your eyes open allows you to self-correct, as may be necessary.

Have you ever practiced in a room with mirrors? Mirrors are an excellent idea because they alert you to the need for self-correction. You may find that what you think you look like is not accurate!

As previous mentioned, according to the Essential Tai Chi Principles, the eyes help unite the mind and the body as we move.Last but not least, the eyes are necessary when it comes to intention in Tai Chi as we discussed in previous blogs! The mind-intent concept:: eyes connect with the mind, the movement, and the flow of Qi.

Now let’s look on the flip side, can closing your eyes be of any help?

Yes, closing your eyes can give you a good sense of your balance, which is why many doctors will have you stand with your eyes closed! It’s also a good way to check and train your proprioception. However, moving around doing form is quite different than standing in a static position.

Bottom line; when practicing Tai Chi it would seem to be more beneficial to keep your eyes open for a myriad of reasons.

The same answer does not necessarily apply to Qigong as we will see in the next blog.

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